AS OF MARCH 26, 2015, ALL REMAINING MOUNTAIN EDUCATION CENTER COURSES FOR THIS SEASON HAVE BEEN CANCELLED.

Course Descriptions: (all courses must be pre-registered and pre-paid, see contact information below)

This is a 3-day/24-hour course designed to introduce the backcountry enthusiast to the fundamentals of avalanche education. At the end of the course the student will be able to recognizing avalanche terrain; know how to prepare for and plan travel in avalanche terrain; have a framework for decision-making in avalanche terrain; and be able to initiate an effective companion rescue in avalanche terrain. The class starts inside for lecture and powerpoint discussions, and then moves out to the mountain for hands-on skills practice. All students are required to have skis or a snowboard for the backcountry. Touring gear, including shovel, probe, beacon and skins or snowshoes is required. Student to instructor ratio is 6:1, with minimum of three students and maximum of 12.

The AIARE Level 2 course is a 4-day program that provides back country leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression: the AIARE Level 3 certificate. The AIARE 2 course builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the Level 1 course and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.

Student learning outcomes will include:

Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.

Discussing how snowpack develops and metamorphosizes over time, and discussing the factors that contribute to spatial variability.

Introduction to Backcountry Travel:

A great extension to our Level 1 or Avalanche Basics classes, this 8-hour course will emphasize smooth transitions from uphill to downhill travel, and give you the opportunity to put your new route selection, safe travel techniques, and backcountry decision making skills to work in the company of our experienced Ski Patrol instructors. Must have skins for your skis or split board (snowshoes are permissible for snowboarders), avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and the knowledge to use them. Student to instructor ratio is 5:1, with a minimum of two students.

Cost: $100Time: 9am-4:30pmCourse Schedule, Introduction to Back Country Travel: Saturday, December 27 Saturday, January 24 Saturday, February 21 Saturday, March 28 CANCELLED Saturday, April 11 CANCELLED

Avy 101 - Avalanche Awareness:

An introduction to safe travel in the backcountry. This 6-hour course covers the basics from understanding the avalanche/weather forecast to what safety gear is required. It will also include the basics of recognizing avalanche terrain, snow pack observations, transceiver use and companion rescue. The class starts inside, then will be outside for skills practice. Come prepared to be outdoors. No special gear is required for this class. This class has a minimum of three students and maximum of 15.

Wilderness First Aid Class:

In this 20-hour course students will learn the fundamentals of prevention and care for traumatic and medical emergencies; CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AED); and how to recognize and treat environmental and biological emergencies. This American Health and Safety Course (AHSI) meets the Boy Scouts of America curriculum and guidelines. Minimum of four students and maximum of 10.

Wilderness First Responder:

With successful completion of this 80-hour course you will have the Wilderness First Responder and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certificates required by most outdoor education and professional outdoor recreation services, including Stevens Pass Patrol. Multiple days of scenario-based training will give you the confidence to recognize, and the skills to treat, medical and traumatic emergencies, with an emphasis on the unique challenges encountered in a wilderness setting. Minimum of four and maximum of 10 students.

Wilderness First Responder Refresher/Recertification:

This course may be used to recertify current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT (wilderness portions only). The 3-day course is heavily scenario-based and will provide a review and update of wilderness medicine treatment practices and evacuation guidelines. American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider is also included in the curriculum.

Successful completion of the course and both written and practical examinations will refresh the student as a Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness portion of the Wilderness EMT. Participants will receive recertification cards good for the same amount of time as their original certifications.

Heart Saver First Aid & CPR:

The Heart Saver First Aid course teaches rescuers to effectively recognize and treat adult emergencies in the critical first minutes until emergency medical services personnel arrive. The course also provides a complete health and safety training solution for first aid, adult CPR and AED. Students will practice skills that will require them to be on their hands and knees, bending, standing and lifting.

Riley McCarthy AIARE Level 1 Memorial Scholarship

The Riley McCarthy AIARE Level 1 Memorial Scholarship will be awarded once per winter to an outstanding youth (ages 18-24) with a passion for winter exploration. The recipient will receive a 3 day American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 1 course scheduled with the Mountain Education Department at Stevens Pass Resort, and learn a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain. The successful recipient will be an aspiring leader of winter backcountry recreation and be eligible to participate in the AIARE Level 1 class.